Summer in Atlanta is more than just the hottest season of the year. It is also the best time to get out and explore everything the city has to offer! Whether you are a seasoned local or uncovering the city one neighborhood at a time, use this KNOWAtlanta-approved guide below to build out the perfect ATL summer bucket list:
Can’t Miss Spots
The Georgia Aquarium should be at the top of your bucket list! The Ocean Voyager exhibit, home to majestic whale sharks that gracefully swim alongside manta rays and thousands of other sea creatures, offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience. It’s a fantastic way to beat the heat and immerse yourself in one of the country’s top aquatic displays.
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a must-visit for younger kids. It’s not just a fun spot but also an educational one, spotlighting hands-on, engaging exhibits that teach kids science, math, art and more through play.
For those with a thirst that can’t seem to be quenched, the World of Coca-Cola is the place to be! The museum includes 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the globe, making it a fascinating and refreshing way to spend the season’s hottest days.
At the Delta Flight Museum, step into the history of aviation to learn how commercial flight has evolved through the years. You can even walk on the wing of a Boeing 767!
Zoo Atlanta offers an excellent alternative, particularly during the cooler early morning or evening hours when the animals tend to be most active.
Take Me Out to the Braves Game!
Summer baseball is synonymous with Atlanta, and catching an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park delivers the quintessential summer experience. The state-of-the-art ballpark offers excellent sightlines and a vibrant atmosphere that electrifies game days. Beyond the diamond, The Battery Atlanta transforms your baseball outing into a day or night out. This dynamic mixed-use development surrounding the stadium features an impressive array of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues perfect for pre-game dining or post-game celebrations. Whether grabbing craft cocktails at a rooftop bar, enjoying family-friendly activities or exploring unique retail offerings, The Battery ensures your Braves experience extends far beyond the final inning.
Summer Festivals
Festival season transforms Atlanta into a vibrant celebration hub! Mark July 4 for the legendary AJC Peachtree Road Race. This record-breaking 10K draws 60,000 runners annually, creating an epic street festival atmosphere unlike anything else along Peachtree Street.
Sweet treats and sunny fun collide at the Annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival on July 26 in Piedmont Park. This delicious event serves countless frozen flavors while live bands perform and families enjoy interactive entertainment.
Creative spirits will gravitate toward the Piedmont Park Arts Festival, which runs from August 16 to 17. This impressive showcase features 250 talented artists displaying original works, complemented by musical performances and live artistic demonstrations that bring the creative process to life.
The season peaks during the Summer Shade Festival weekend of August 23 and 24 at Grant Park. This no-cost community gathering combines outstanding live entertainment with Atlanta’s finest local cuisine and craft beverages. The festivities launch with the Run for the Park 5K, a meaningful race supporting the vital conservation work of the Grant Park Conservancy.
Popular Parks
Piedmont Park is the city’s communal living room, ideal for leisurely picnics, exploring the bustling weekly Green Market or simply people-watching from shaded spots. Centennial Olympic Park showcases the iconic Fountain of Rings in the heart of downtown, where children delight in splashing through the refreshing water features.
Shirley Clarke Franklin Park is Atlanta’s most expansive urban oasis, boasting five miles of smooth paved pathways alongside spectacular downtown skyline vistas. The Atlanta BeltLine weaves together 45 distinct neighborhoods via an impressive 22-mile circuit featuring dedicated pedestrian and cycling routes. This remarkable trail system displays captivating public art installations while offering numerous dining and beverage destinations strategically positioned throughout the journey.
Pick a Georgia Peach
No Atlanta summer experience is complete without harvesting fresh peaches. Throughout the peak season from mid-May to August, destinations like Southern Belle Farm in McDonough and Jaemor Farms in Alto offer authentic pick-your-own adventures. Nothing compares to biting into a sun-warmed, perfectly ripe Georgia peach straight from the branch!
Water-Based Fun
When Atlanta’s temperature soars, escape to the refreshing Chattahoochee River for the “Shoot the ‘Hooch” local tradition. Each year, locals and tourists alike tube down the river for the ultimate summertime cool-down. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area provides cooling relief through tubing, kayaking and canoeing adventures amid stunning natural landscapes. Essential safety measures include wearing proper flotation devices, maintaining adequate hydration and respecting the river’s varying currents for optimal enjoyment.
Lake Lanier reigns as Georgia’s largest freshwater destination, featuring sandy beaches, diverse water sports and premium attractions, including Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Lake Allatoona offers convenient proximity to Atlanta with typically lighter crowds. Lake Burton, nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, delivers crystal-clear waters and a tranquil mountain atmosphere ideal for peaceful relaxation.
Hike ATL’s Top Summits
Stone Mountain’s challenging one-mile Walk-Up Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the metropolitan skyline from the summit. Meanwhile, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park features an extensive network of over 20 miles of hiking paths, where visitors can explore significant Civil War historical sites while enjoying scenic woodland walks through preserved battlefield terrain.
Visit KNOWAtlanta.com to know the ins and outs of the ITP and OTP areas! From shopping for your favorite home to finding new ways to fill each weekend through the season, KNOWAtlanta is your go-to source for falling in love with Atlanta.
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